NFL notes: Rams hoping to avoid ‘Hard Knocks’

Monday

May 19, 2014 at 9:34 PM

FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Michael Sam is out of the TV spotlight and the St. Louis Rams are hopeful of avoiding being the subject of another high-profile show. Coach Jeff Fisher told The Associated Press on Monday that it’s “probably unlikely” the NFL will choose the Rams for HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” The Rams are among teams eligible to get chosen for three reasons: They haven’t appeared on the show for the past decade, haven’t hired a new head coach and haven’t reached the playoffs either of the past two seasons. The Rams have never been picked and are coming off a pair of seven-win seasons in Fisher’s first two years in the rugged NFC West. Fisher said the announcement by the Oprah Winfrey network to film a documentary about Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted by an NFL team, came as a surprise. “I think the Oprah thing, it caught us off-guard,” Fisher said. “Whenever it takes place, I think it’ll be a positive piece.” Just not this summer. “Not good for the locker room,” the coach said. “Nor Mike to get involved at this point.” SIGNING ILLINI: Former Illinois wide receiver Steve Hull signed with the New Orleans Saints after participating in their rookie camp on a tryout basis.Hull was the leading receiver last season for the Illini. He moved to offense after playing safety for three seasons and caught 59 passes for 993 yards and seven touchdowns. EXTRA POINTS: Top choice Odell Beckham Jr., and three other draft picks signed with the New York Giants. In addition to Beckham, a wide receiver drafted 12th overall, C Weston Richburg (second round), LB Devon Kennard (fifth round) and CB Bennett Jackson (sixth round) signed with the team. ... Colts owner Jim Irsay is handling pro football business again, leading Indianapolis’ bid for the 2018 Super Bowl. Irsay underwent treatment after he was arrested for having $29,000 in cash and bottles of prescription drugs in his car. The owners’ meetings is Irsay’s first public appearance since the arrest.

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